Readers' Q&A: Colleen Kane's White Sox mailbag

Video: Sox GM on recent losing stretch

GM Rick Hahn on the White Sox's recent losing stretch.

GM Rick Hahn on the White Sox's recent losing stretch.

Colleen Kane, Tribune reporter

Can you tell me why the White Sox have discarded the historical video they used to use to introduce the team before the start of the game? You know, this is the one with scenes of Bo Jackson and "Ray-Ray" Durham in their distinctive home-run trots (Durham fast and sideways), the classic play by "Pudge" Fisk tagging out two runners at home plate, and the distinctive moments during the 2005 World Series. -- R. Shapiro, Chicago

I took this one to the Sox, who sent me back this statement from the game operations department about the current video they use to take the field:

“Each year, the White Sox adjust all in-stadium videos. Some edits are small while others are complete changes. We have edited down the older version of the take-the-field video in order to keep our show fresh. We continue to evaluate our show, make appropriate changes, create new features and keep older, popular elements. We appreciate and value our fans’ input.”

In relation to the slot value for the No. 3 pick in the recent MLB draft, do you predict the White Sox will pay above, below, or at the slotted value? If Carlos Rodon goes unsigned, what pick will Sox get next year? -- Ed P., Chicago

The slot value for the No. 3 pick this year is $5.72 million, and it’s quite likely that the Sox will pay above that value to sign pitcher Carlos Rodon. Just how much over is likely on the table and could take up to the July 18 deadline to settle. General manager Rick Hahn offered no update Tuesday about the negotiations, but assistant GM Buddy Bell has said he would prefer if Rodon would sign sooner rather than later so he can begin work in the Sox system. If the Sox don’t sign Rodon, they will receive the No. 4 pick in next year’s draft.

Robin Ventura said Tuesday that he will continue to give Ronald Belisario the opportunity to prove himself worthy of the closer’s role, but it remains to be seen how long that patience will last should Belisario continue to struggle. He has an 8.25 ERA in 13 games as the closer. Rick Hahn made it clear Tuesday that he doesn’t think Ventura has to stick with Belisario as the only option in every situation, but he said he leaves the decision up to the Sox coaching staff. Sox relievers are collectively going through a down patch right now, with an 0-3 record and a 5.23 ERA over their last 12 games. And while the Sox certainly could make upgrades in some cases, it might be overdramatic to lump the entire relief crew as terrible.

The White Sox gave up their closer (Addison Reed) to acquire Matt Davidson. How is Davidson progressing at Charlotte? -- Tom C., Arlington Heights.

Sox special assistant to the GM Jim Thome recently worked with Matt Davidson in Triple-A Charlotte. Here’s what assistant GM Buddy Bell told reporters last week about their interactions.

“I think Jimmy is really good at just making you feel better about yourself. Sometimes that’s all you really need,” Bell said. “Just the energy Jimmy gives a player is more important than any mechanical change. Matty just got himself in a situation where, like a lot of other Triple-A guys, they just want to get to the big leagues so bad that you start doing some things that are kind of out of character on a mechanical basis.

“He’s doing well defensively, and he’s starting to get to a fastball. If you can’t hit a fastball, you can’t play in the big leagues. He’s going much better with that.”

Davidson is hitting .286 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBIs over his last 10 games in Charlotte.